QR codes easily and securely

QR codes are a great way to give learners a link and ensure that they go to the correct location. It’s too easy for a learner to mistype the address and go someplace that you wish they didn’t. There are a lot of QR code generators online and in the App Store. For the longest time, this was the only option. The downside was that these links were tracked by other parties and that opened a whole new set of issues for students.

There is another option that is built into your iPad, iPhone, and Mac. It only takes a second to set it up and create QR codes quickly and securely. You’ll find it in the Shortcuts app. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Shortcuts App  
   

   screenshot of the main page of the iPad shortcuts app
2. Tap the Plus icon at the top  
   

   Tap the "+" icon to add a new shortcut
3. Search QR  
   

   Search for QR
4. Select “Generate QR code”  
   

   Select Generate QR Code
5. Under “Next Action Suggestions”  
   

   Select Save to Photo Album under Next Action Suggestions
6. select “Save to Photo Album”  
   

   The finished Shortcut

That’s it. The new Shortcut is saved to your Shortcuts library. The QR code that is generated is saved to your Photos library. I changed the name of mine to “Generate QR Code”

To use your new shortcut:

1. Copy the link you want to share
2. Tap on the Generate QR Code icon
3. Find your new QR code in the Photos app.

Have fun.